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The differences between principal technical writers and contributing writers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a principal technical writer and a contributing writer. Additionally, a principal technical writer has an average salary of $66,896, which is higher than the $51,372 average annual salary of a contributing writer.
The top three skills for a principal technical writer include java, develop user and XML. The most important skills for a contributing writer are lifestyle, web content, and SEO.
| Principal Technical Writer | Contributing Writer | |
| Yearly salary | $66,896 | $51,372 |
| Hourly rate | $32.16 | $24.70 |
| Growth rate | 6% | 6% |
| Number of jobs | 118,883 | 10,292 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 73% | Bachelor's Degree, 81% |
| Average age | 46 | 46 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
A Principal Technical Writer creates useful tutorials, videos, and product documentation in fast-paced environments. Besides writing highly technical content describing the product functionality, Principal Technical Writers also develop project programs, maintain specific project schedules and update the documentation manager about the documentation status. They put together and offer online help and enhance the first-user experience by developing tutorials. Moreover, a Principal Technical Writer delivers meaningful UI strings and useful error-free messages by working hand-in-hand with user experience team members.
A contributing writer is responsible for contributing content to a publication or a specific client, typically on a freelance basis. Contributing writers must have a strong command of their language and extensive understanding of the topics assigned to them. They should be keen on details, perfecting grammar usage with proper writing elements. A contributing writer performs in-depth research to support content, ensuring the accuracy of information to release a high-quality article and serve a good read for the target audience. Contributing writers must have excellent time-management and communication skills, especially on meeting deadlines and doing revisions.
Principal technical writers and contributing writers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Principal Technical Writer | Contributing Writer | |
| Average salary | $66,896 | $51,372 |
| Salary range | Between $50,000 And $88,000 | Between $34,000 And $75,000 |
| Highest paying City | - | - |
| Highest paying state | - | - |
| Best paying company | - | - |
| Best paying industry | - | - |
There are a few differences between a principal technical writer and a contributing writer in terms of educational background:
| Principal Technical Writer | Contributing Writer | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 73% | Bachelor's Degree, 81% |
| Most common major | English | Journalism |
| Most common college | University of Houston | Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
Here are the differences between principal technical writers' and contributing writers' demographics:
| Principal Technical Writer | Contributing Writer | |
| Average age | 46 | 46 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 51.9% Female, 48.1% | Male, 44.6% Female, 55.4% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 6.7% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 7.9% Asian, 8.8% White, 71.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% | Black or African American, 6.6% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 7.8% Asian, 8.7% White, 71.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% |
| LGBT Percentage | 11% | 11% |